Cairo, Oases and Nile Cruise Travel Package

Rise and shine! After enjoying your daily breakfast, you will check out of your hotel in Cairo at 6:00 AM to embark on an exciting Egypt Desert Safari adventure. A professional guide will be waiting to whisk you away in a deluxe vehicle for the approximately 4-hour drive to the stunning Bahariya Oasis.

Once you arrive, your first stop will be the Museum of Golden Mummies, where you will have the opportunity to marvel at the mummies coated in gold. This remarkable display provides a glimpse into the ancient funerary practices of the Bahariya Oasis during the 26th dynasty.

Next, you will visit the Tombs of the Nobles, the final resting place of the administrators who oversaw the Bahariya Oasis during the same era. Nearby, you will find the impressive Temple of Alexander the Great, where the great ruler himself is depicted presenting offerings to the revered Egyptian deity, Amun-Re, who was worshipped extensively in the Bahariya Oasis during the Greco-Roman period. This temple may serve as a memorial to Alexander the Great's journey through the oasis on his way to the Oracle Temple in the Siwa Oasis.

Continuing your exploration, you will visit the Temple of Meftella, located near the village of Al-Qasr. This site derives its name from the nearby spring called Meftella, which lies to the northeast of the cemeteries.

Midday, you will enjoy a delicious lunch served by the hospitable Bedouins in a traditional Bedouin house, providing you with an authentic taste of local culture.

After your meal, you will have the opportunity to relax at your hotel and enjoy the refreshing pool. As the sun begins to set, you will embark on a thrilling 4WD Jeep excursion to the Black Mountain, where you can climb to the top and marvel at the breathtaking panoramic view of the Bahariya Oasis.

With a full day of adventure behind you, you will settle in for an overnight stay in Bahariya, surrounded by the captivating desert landscape.

After a refreshing breakfast, you'll embark on a journey to explore the captivating natural wonders of the Bahariya Oasis. First, you'll visit the serene salt lake and the enchanting palm tree-lined fruit fields, savoring the tranquility of these picturesque landscapes.

Next, you'll travel approximately 170 km south to the remarkable White Desert. This unique desert landscape is aptly named, as it is adorned with a stunning white color that covers much of its expansive 3010 square kilometer area. The reserve is renowned for its large, chalky rock formations, which have been sculpted into fascinating shapes by the occasional sandstorms that sweep through the region.

On your way to the White Desert, you'll pass through the Black Desert, a dramatic landscape of volcanic hills that erupted centuries ago, creating a striking contrast with the surrounding terrain. You'll also visit the Valley of El Haize, the southernmost village in Bahariya, known for its extraordinary natural breezes.

One of the highlights of your journey will be a stop at Crystal Mountain, a charming and beautiful area in the heart of the Farafra Oasis. This unique destination is renowned for its stunning quartz crystal formations and its high environmental value, offering a magnificent view that will leave a lasting impression.

Continuing your adventure, you'll venture into the magnificent Valley of Agabat, a place of magical beauty that will captivate your senses.

As the day draws to a close, you'll settle into your campsite in the heart of the White Desert, surrounded by mesmerizing limestone formations, including the iconic rabbit and mushroom shapes. Here, you'll enjoy a delicious Bedouin-style dinner, immersing yourself in the tranquility and wonder of this remarkable desert landscape.

Refreshed from your night in the enchanting White Desert, you'll embark on another day of exploration, this time heading to the captivating Farafra Oasis. This small oasis, dating back to the Pharaonic era, is located approximately 170 km south of the Bahariya Oasis and 627 km southwest of Cairo.

Upon arrival in Farafra, you'll have the opportunity to take a dip in the soothing hot waters of the Bir Setah hot spring. You'll also visit the unique mud brick museum of local artist Badr, where you can marvel at modern art artefacts and gain a deeper appreciation for the region's creative spirit.

Continuing your journey, you'll travel to the ancient town of Al Qasr, located in the heart of the Egyptian desert and known as one of the oldest archaeological cities. This historic site was a significant meeting point for ancient transportation routes.

From Al Qasr, you'll drive for about 3 hours to reach the Roman Temple of Deir El Hagar, one of the smallest temples in Egypt. Constructed during the era of the Roman Emperor Nero, this sandstone temple is adorned with intricate carvings and inscriptions representing the Pharaonic creed, dedicated to the worship of the gods Amun, Mut, and Khonsu.

Next, you'll visit the stunning Roman burial ground of Muzzawaqa, where you'll have the opportunity to explore some of Egypt's most beautiful rock-cut tombs. After enjoying a refreshing lunch, you'll venture into the old Islamic village of Al Qasr, where you'll be captivated by the narrow, covered streets dating back to the 12th century AD, the well-preserved old houses, an ancient oil press, wheat grinder, court, prison, school, and an Ayyubide mosque.

In the afternoon, you'll have time to relax by the pool, before exploring the lush Dakhla Oasis, with its clear blue skies and golden dunes. As the day draws to a close, you'll witness the breathtaking sunset on the edge of the Great Sand Sea, while sipping on a delicious Bedouin tea.

Your day will culminate with an overnight stay at a desert lodge atop a cliff in Dakhla, offering you a panoramic view of the verdant village embraced by the dunes and the stunning pink rose mountains that make this oasis so captivating.

Energized by your breakfast, you'll embark on a journey to the largest of the Oases, El Kharga, located 232 km south of Assiut. As the capital of the New Valley Governorate, El Kharga is a hub of ancient monuments, natural springs, and captivating tourist attractions.

Your first stop will be the ancient Roman fortress of Qasr El Labkha, dating back to the 5th century AD. You'll then visit the Kharga Museum, which houses a fascinating collection of artifacts from the Pharaonic, Ptolemaic, Roman, and Christian eras.

Next, you'll be transported to the Roman Temple of Hibis & Nadora, established during the reign of the Roman Emperors Antoninus Pius or Hadrian. This temple is a remarkable representation of the different historical periods that have influenced the region, including Pharaonic, Persian, Ptolemaic, and Roman influences.

Continuing your exploration, you'll visit the ancient cemetery of Bagawat, known for its chapels adorned with well-preserved biblical decorations from the Old Testament, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the area.

After a delicious lunch, you'll move on to the Baris Oasis, which dates back to 5000 BC and was built to honor Serapis, the Greek god. Here, you'll visit the Temple of Dush, a former Roman settlement that operated as a city in the middle of a thriving community, securing the forty-day road when it was in use. You'll have the opportunity to see the remnants of the residential area with mud-brick houses, as well as the fortress dedicated to the goddess Isis and the god Serapis.

As the day draws to a close, you'll embark on a unique overnight camping experience in the middle of the golden dunes of the Kharga Oasis, immersing yourself in the serene and captivating beauty of the Egyptian desert.

After your captivating journey through the enchanting oases of Egypt, you now find yourself transported to the historic city of Luxor, located approximately 670 km south of Cairo. The journey from the desert to this ancient city takes around 6 hours, but the change of scenery promises to be well worth it.

Upon your arrival in Luxor, you will board your 5-star Steigenberger MS Minerva Nile cruise, where you will check-in and enjoy a delicious lunch. Your afternoon is dedicated to exploring the magnificent Karnak Temple Complex, a colossal gathering of temple ruins, monumental pillars, and other awe-inspiring structures. Karnak is the main seat of worship for the deities Amun, Mut, and Khonsu, and is considered the largest man-made religious complex in the world.

After you explore the Karnak Temple, you will continue your journey to the stunning Temple of Luxor, which was built using sandstone from the Gebel el-Silsila area and is one of the greatest monuments in Egypt. As the evening falls, you will return to your Nile cruise ship, where you will enjoy a delectable dinner, followed by an evening of entertainment and a captivating music show. You will then retire for the night on board the Nile cruise ship, anticipating the next leg of your Egyptian adventure.

After a delightful breakfast on board your Nile cruise, your guide will lead you to the West Bank of Luxor, where you will be awestruck by the two colossal statues of Amenhotep III, renowned as the Colossi of Memnon. These iconic figures have stood guard over the ancient city of Thebes (present-day Luxor) for centuries, serving as a testament to the grandeur of Egypt's past.

Next, you will venture into the Valley of the Kings, a captivating necropolis located on the western bank of the Nile, facing the ancient city of Thebes. This renowned site is divided into the eastern and western valleys, and is known as Biban el-Muluk, or the "doorway or gateway of the kings." Here, you will have the opportunity to explore the famous rock-cut tombs of the Pharaohs, including the renowned tomb of King Tutankhamun, who ruled Egypt as pharaoh for 10 years until his untimely death at the age of 19. You will also encounter the legendary tomb of Ramses II, whose most famous battle during his rule was the Battle of Kadesh.

These tombs, lavishly decorated with captivating paintings, are filled with the treasures the Pharaohs had planned to enjoy in the afterlife. After this remarkable exploration, you will continue your journey to the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, also known as the El Deir El Bahary Temple, a memorial temple dedicated to the powerful female pharaoh.

Following your immersive experience in the heart of Luxor's ancient wonders, you will enjoy a well-deserved lunch before setting sail to Edfu, where you will savor a leisurely dinner on board the Nile cruise. As the day draws to a close, you will retire for the night, gently rocked by the soothing waters of the Nile, anticipating the next chapter of your Egyptian odyssey.

After a refreshing breakfast aboard your Nile cruise vessel, you will embark on a journey to the city of Edfu, located in the northern part of the Aswan Governorate. Edfu is the second-largest city in the governorate and lies to the south of the iconic Luxor.

In Edfu, you will have the opportunity to visit the well-preserved Ptolemaic Temple dedicated to the falcon-headed god, Horus. This temple, known as the Temple of Edfu, is the second-largest temple in Egypt, offering a captivating glimpse into the country's rich history and cultural heritage.

Following your exploration of the Temple of Edfu, you will return to your Nile cruise, which will then set sail towards the unique Kom Ombo Temple. This Graeco-Roman temple is dedicated to the crocodile god, Sobek, and presents a remarkable architectural and historical marvel.

During the journey to Kom Ombo, you will be treated to a delicious onboard lunch, allowing you to savor the flavors of the region while taking in the serene views of the Nile.

After visiting the Kom Ombo Temple, your Nile cruise will continue its voyage towards the city of Aswan. As the day draws to a close, you will be treated to a delectable on-board dinner, accompanied by the gentle rocking of the Nile waters. You will then retire for the night, anticipating the next chapter of your enchanting Egyptian adventure.

After an energizing breakfast aboard the Nile cruise, you will meet up with your guide to embark on a captivating sightseeing tour of Aswan. Your first stop will be the impressive High Dam, which straddles the northern border between Egypt and Sudan. This engineering marvel is considered one of the most significant projects in the modern history of Egypt, showcasing the country's technological prowess and ambition.

Next, you will visit the awe-inspiring Philae Temple, a remarkable structure built during the Greek and Roman eras and dedicated to the goddess Isis, the deity of healing and magic. To reach this temple, you will take a delightful motorboat ride, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the temple's serene island setting. During your sightseeing tour, you will have the opportunity to learn more about this remarkable temple, one of the greatest in Egypt.

Your final destination will be the impressive Unfinished Obelisk, located within the granite quarries of Aswan. This colossal obelisk is believed to be the largest known obelisk in Egypt, providing a fascinating glimpse into the engineering feats of the ancient Egyptians.

After your immersive exploration of Aswan's iconic sites, you will return to your Nile cruise for a delectable dinner, marking the last night of your luxurious river journey. As you savor the flavors of the region and bask in the memories of your Egyptian adventure, you will retire for the evening, ready to embark on the next stage of your journey.

After a hearty breakfast aboard the Nile cruise, you will disembark and have some free time to explore Aswan on your own. Alternatively, you may choose to embark on an optional tour of the majestic Abu Simbel Temples, a stunning architectural marvel that serves as a lasting monument to the renowned Pharaoh Ramses II and his beloved Queen Nefertari.

If you opt for the Abu Simbel excursion, you will be transported from Aswan to this remarkable site by land, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the grandeur of these ancient temples. This optional tour provides a unique opportunity to delve deeper into Egypt's rich history and cultural legacy.

Following your activities in Aswan, you will be transferred to the Aswan train station, where you will board a sleeping train bound for Cairo. During the journey, you will be served a delicious dinner, allowing you to refuel and enjoy the comfort of your private cabin as you travel through the night.

This overnight train ride marks the final leg of your captivating Nile cruise adventure, as you make your way back to the bustling capital city of Cairo. With memories of the magnificent temples, the serene Nile River, and the warm hospitality of Egypt, you will arrive in Cairo, ready to embark on the next phase of your Egyptian exploration.

Before your flight, you'll start your day with breakfast in Cairo. Then, the tour leader will meet up with you and take you to Cairo International Airport.

The only meal included on this part of the itinerary is breakfast.